Preparing does not mean preparing your argument. People hear “prepare” and think they need to get their story straight, collect every text, remember every incident, anticipate what the other person will say. In reality, it’s not really like that at all.
Do the boring stuff. The ever-dreaded necessary paperwork that Florida law requires, not MFM. Just putting that out there so I’m not the enemy right off the bat. Some people find it helpful to make a list of topics. Others are better off the cuff. “Getting ready” looks different to everyone. If something requires numbers, dates, schedules, etc., you might want those handy. The point isn’t a beautiful binder. It’s having information when you need it.
Think about what actually matters to you. Less, how am I going to convince them?, and more what do I actually want to talk about? What needs clarity? What’s been shoved under the bed that still needs resolution? Unfortunately, laundry day always shows up eventually.
This isn’t court, so you don’t need an opening argument or rebuttals prepared. You don’t have to imagine what the other person is going to say or how they will react. You’re not going to need the working draft of every fight you’ve had since 2017. Prepare for your participation, not their argument.
Some simple suggestions: do what’s best for you to prepare. It usually involves feeding yourself, sleeping (if the universe allows for it), water and maybe a snack for along the way.
If we’re meeting virtually, a quiet space is usually best, with a charged device, internet, and realistically whatever else you think you may need.
If we’re meeting in person, give yourself enough time to get there. Watch the weather and the traffic because when people are late, those are the usual suspects.
And that’s really it. You don’t need answers to everything. You don’t need anything perfectly memorized. You’re preparing to participate in a conversation, not perform one.